A Missouri state trooper has avoided a jury trial by pleading guilty to a misdemeanor boating violation in the drowning death of an Iowa college student. Anthony Piercy admitted to negligent operation of a vessel in an incident that led to the death of Brandon Ellingson. The 20-year-old Ellingson was boating at the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri in 2014 and was stopped by water patrol for suspicion of operating while intoxicated. While handcuffed, the Iowan fell from the boat and drowned. Piercy originally faced an involuntary manslaughter charge in Ellingson's death.